Decadent Delight: French Silk Brownies

Introduction

There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of rich, fudgy brownies and silky chocolate filling. French Silk Brownies elevate the classic brownie experience with layers of creamy decadence and a touch of elegance. Perfect for chocoholics and dessert aficionados alike, this recipe combines the beloved elements of French Silk Pie with the universally adored brownie. Whether you’re preparing a treat for a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet craving, these brownies are guaranteed to impress and satisfy. With a prep time of just 35 minutes and a total time of four hours, including chilling, this recipe makes 24 servings of pure chocolate bliss.

Ingredients

For the Brownies

• 1 box Betty Crocker™ Fudge Brownie Mix
• Water, vegetable oil, and eggs called for on the brownie mix box
• 1/2 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

For the Filling

• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened baking cocoa
• 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

For the Topping

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 tablespoons miniature semisweet chocolate chips

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Preparing the Brownie Base

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray the bottom of a 13×9-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This step ensures that your brownies will come out of the pan cleanly and maintain their shape.

Next, prepare the brownie batter as directed on the box. This typically involves mixing the brownie mix with water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Once the batter is smooth and well-combined, stir in 1/2 cup of miniature semisweet chocolate chips. These chips will add an extra layer of chocolatey goodness to your brownies.

Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 22 to 25 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick about 2 inches from the side of the pan; it should come out almost clean. Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely, which will take about an hour.

Step 2: Creating the Silky Filling

While the brownies are cooling, you can prepare the luscious chocolate filling. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and unsweetened baking cocoa. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the ingredients until smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl frequently to ensure everything is well incorporated.

Next, add the heavy whipping cream and vanilla to the mixture. Continue to beat on medium speed until the filling is smooth and creamy. This filling will provide the signature silkiness that makes these brownies so special.

Once the filling is ready, spread it evenly over the cooled brownies. Make sure to cover the entire surface, creating a thick, even layer. Refrigerate the brownies for about two hours or until the filling is set.

Step 3: Preparing the Whipped Cream Topping

When the brownies are almost ready to serve, it’s time to make the whipped cream topping. Start by chilling a medium bowl and the beaters of your electric mixer in the freezer for a few minutes. This step helps the cream whip up more quickly and hold its shape better.

In the chilled bowl, beat 1 cup of heavy whipping cream on medium-high speed until it begins to thicken slightly. Reduce the speed and add the powdered sugar and vanilla. Increase the speed again and continue to beat until stiff peaks form. The whipped cream should be firm enough to hold its shape when piped.

Step 4: Decorating and Serving

For a professional-looking finish, spoon the whipped cream into a decorating bag fitted with a 1/2-inch star piping tip. If you don’t have a decorating bag, you can use a large resealable freezer bag; simply cut off one bottom corner to create a makeshift piping bag.

To decorate the brownies, cut them into 24 squares by making six rows horizontally and four rows vertically. In the center of each brownie, pipe a rosette of whipped cream. To do this, apply steady pressure to the bag while squeezing, and pipe in a tight circle to form a rosette about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Stop squeezing and quickly lift the bag off to create a clean finish. Garnish each rosette with a few miniature semisweet chocolate chips for a final touch of elegance.

Store the decorated brownies loosely covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve. These French Silk Brownies are best enjoyed chilled, allowing the layers to meld together beautifully.

Tips from the Betty Crocker Kitchens

Tip 1: Easy Decorating

If you don’t have a decorating bag, don’t worry! A large resealable freezer bag works just as well. Simply fill the bag with whipped cream, cut off one bottom corner, and squeeze to pipe the whipped cream onto the brownies. This method is quick, easy, and yields impressive results.

Tip 2: Quick Cream Cheese Softening

For the best results, your cream cheese should be soft and easy to mix. If you forgot to take it out of the fridge ahead of time, you can quickly soften it in the microwave. Remove the cream cheese from its wrapper, place it on a microwavable plate, and microwave on high for about 15 seconds. This will soften the cream cheese just enough to make mixing a breeze.